Persuasion

nne's journey continues as she navigates seeing through deception. This chapter explores themes of manipulation, warning signs, judgment.

The Crofts arrive in Bath, and with them comes news: Admiral Croft reveals that Wentworth is free, that Louisa is engaged to Benwick, not to him. Wentworth wrote calmly about it—no bitterness, no complaint, just gracious wishes for their happiness. But the Admiral adds, with oblivious cheerfulness: "Poor Frederick! Now he must begin all over again with somebody else. I think we must get him to Bath. Here are pretty girls enough, I am sure." Anne walks with the Admiral, trying to seem composed while her heart races at the knowledge that Wentworth is unattached and might come to Bath.

Then, on Milsom Street, she sees him. He's already here. Before the Crofts even wrote to summon him, Wentworth came to Bath. He walks past her on the street while she's with Mr. Elliot's party. She's acutely aware of him, overwhelmed. Later they take shelter from rain in Molland's shop, and Wentworth walks in with friends. They meet awkwardly—he's struck, confused, red in the face for the first time since their reunion. They speak briefly. He's not comfortable, not easy. He offers Anne his new umbrella for the rain. Then Mr. Elliot arrives, full of solicitude and possession, offering Anne his arm, and they walk away together.

Wentworth watches them leave. The ladies in his party begin gossiping immediately: "Mr. Elliot does not dislike his cousin, I fancy?" "One can guess what will happen there. He is always with them; half lives in the family." "She is pretty, I think; Anne Elliot; very pretty, when one comes to look at her." Wentworth hears it all—the assumption that Anne and Mr. Elliot will marry, that it's a suitable match, that everyone expects it. Anne walks away on Mr. Elliot's arm, wishing desperately that she could somehow tell Wentworth the truth.

Back home, Anne encounters Lady Russell on the street. They walk together, and Anne watches anxiously as they approach Wentworth on the pavement. Surely Lady Russell will recognize him? Anne watches her friend's eyes turn exactly in his direction, sees the fascination, the astonishment at how well he's aged. Then Lady Russell looks away and claims she was examining window curtains. Anne sighs, half in pity, half in exasperation: Lady Russell couldn't even acknowledge seeing him.